Sexual violence can happen anytime to anyone whether it is a man, woman or child and the emotional and physical effects can be traumatic.

Every 2 minutes another American is sexually assaulted. Each year, there are about 237, 868 victims of sexual assault and it is estimated that 15-25% of women will experience some type of sexual abuse in their lifetime (www.rainn.org) While it affects more women than men, both sexes are known to have had sexual abuse attempts or an actual violation against their will that forces them into some type of sexual interaction. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts-Bostonsuggest that one in six men is sexually abused before the age of 16 (France, 2008).

In over half of the sexual assaults in the United States, it was done by someone that they knew (James, 2008). Sexual abuse can be defined as either the trauma from being raped, incest, enduring prolonged sexual abuse as a child or in some cases having trauma from sexual mutilation. The psychological trauma for victims of sexual abuse is second only to war victims and puts the individual at a high risk to develop PTSD (James, 2008). Many times this type of trauma can leave a person feeling guilt, shame, confusion, betrayed and stress in many of life’s everyday situations including relationships. Victims of sexual assault are 26 times more likely to abuse drugs and additional effects can include self harm, eating disorders, sleep disorders, body memories, depression, flashbacks, personality disorders, and suicide attempts (www.rainn.org)

Typical psychotherapy treatments can be lengthy, and emotionally painful and most therapists encourage the client to re-live the past experience to “get the emotions out” or “forgive their perpetrator” that is intended to be helpful, but most cases result in the client feeling re-traumatized.

Treatment for sexual violence and the resulting trauma was what originally createdRapid Trauma Resolution® therapy and the non-profit organization known as the Institute for Survivors of Sexual Violence (ISSV). Dr. Jon Connelly devised an integrative approach that clears the negative effects of trauma stemming from the painful life experience of sexual violence. The exact traumatic event needing resolution is cleared even if it has been repressed or forgotten. The client stays fully present and the effects of trauma are cleared gently and painlessly. Through treatment techniques the client realizes at a deeper level that the event is finished and gone. Negative emotions are replaced with energy and peace and limiting behavioral patterns disappear. Blocked energy is released and healing takes place to support a higher level of functioning and health.

Therapists certified in Rapid Trauma Resolution® (RTR) are committed to providing the most valuable experience of treatment available. If you have been struggling from the effects from sexual trauma, we can help. Contact us at 561-741-4181 or info@rapidresolutiontherapy.com to book a private session with Dr. Jon Connelly or click here to to find an RRT practitioner in your area.